The changing landscape
I’m happy, Mizzou is the beneficiary of the policy change. Once upon a time an athlete would sign a letter of intent he was committed to the school; his signature was on the dotted line. The last few years has witnessed a change, no longer is a prospect tied to the school they can seek their release. I‘m unsure if college football faces the same issue.
A college basketball team changes coaches and the incoming freshmen are left with a choice adjust to the new coach or seek a release from their commitment. This change bothers a number of fans I’ve read your letters of complaint but face it time has brought about change. Michael Porter Jr. is going to enroll at Mizzou not because of the school’s record, only because Washington's Lorenzo Romar who recruited Porter Jr. was fired. Face it fans you might not like this change it however it reflects the landscape of college basketball today.
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Your solution
I just finished reading a “War and Piece” novel on redesign of the NBA draft. Okay I exaggerate but the Bleacher Report was far too detailed for me to attempt a concise explanation in a short space of time. Bottom line has the NBA Draft outlived its usefulness? Teams accused of tanking, the worst teams get the top talent (unless a trade is conducted). Those are just two of the arguments that say it needs to be dissolved or fixed somehow. Every major and minor sport utilizes a draft in some form or another. My initial response is why not attempt to resolve some of the issues Bleacher Report raised rather than cease utilizing the draft all together.
This is why
This is a prime example why I listen to basketball media with a selective ear. During the NCAA Tournament local sports talk radio was in attendance and there and an interview with Jerod Haase. Haase currently serves as head coach at Stanford and played his college basketball at Kansas. The interview was okay until it went sideways proving to me (and maybe others) the media guy knew little about college basketball.
He asked the coach about one n done; I’m sure every Stanford basketball player may not have graduated however there are few that fit this category. The host then ask Haase if the rule should be changed, hey radio guy it’s not the colleges it’s the NBA enforcing age 19 or one year out of college. Please prepare yourself with satisfactory questions prior to interviewing a subject for your program.
A change
College basketball is officially over with North Carolina becoming 2017 NCAA Champion; I’m winding down as well. Words eye view will return to a Monday, Wednesday-Friday publication May 1. Naturally if there is a newsworthy event a special edition will be published I hope you continue to enjoy.
Bol Bol plays nothing like his late father Manute, his dad was a 3-point specialist. Unlike his son there wasn’t much more to the father’s game, the son is quite athletic for his height and weight. As mentioned in the past the youngster began his prep basketball locally but has since transferred to Mater Dei in Santa Ana (CA). He stands 7-1 but is a skinny 200 pounds but boy can he move on the court, if he gains even 30 more pounds he should be able to avoid being pushed around on the court.
Dates of note for NBA fans. NBA Draft Combine will be held in Chicago May 9-14, the draft lottery will be held May 16. A little over a month later (June 22) the NBA Draft will be held televised by ESPN 7:00 p.m. Eastern Time. The combine and individual workouts will provide us a closer view of the draft once they are held. Josh Martin Bleacher Report put this draft into perspective. “Step 1: Find a superstar. Step 1a: Find another superstar. Step 2 Build around said superstar(s). Easier said than done.”
Canadians were key contributors to the NCAA run of Oregon this season, ask the Kansas Jayhawks about Dillon Brooks and Dylan Ennis. Brooks is from Mississauga Ontario Canada, Ennis from Toronto just a few of our northern neighbors playing at U.S. colleges and universities.
Interesting trivia for you, over the years Kansas basketball has provided the nation and NBA with a number of skilled players. Clyde Lovellette, Wilt Chamberlain, Jo Jo White, Bud Stallworth, Paul Pierce and Andrew Wiggins just to name a few. 5-11 Frank Mason III became the second Kansas player in history (Danny Manning) to win the Naismith Player of the Year.
